Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan.

Located at the foot of the mountains in the eastern part of Kyoto, the whole area is open, airy and monumental.

The main symbol is the massive Sanmon Gate and the unexpected brick aqueduct from the Meiji period, which creates a very photogenic combination of traditional and modern Japan.

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The rest of the complex contains the main temple and several smaller buildings. You can't visit the interior of either.

Nanzen-ji

Above Nanzen-ji Temple is another small temple, Saisho-in, with a cozy garden.

The road to the small temple of Saisho-in

Is Nanzen-ji worth a visit?

✅ Yes, if:

you want a large temple complex without extreme crowds
you enjoy the combination of history and unusual elements (aqueduct)
you plan to explore the eastern part of the city

❌ Not likely, unless:

you only have 1 day in Kyoto
you're looking for one distinctive "wow moment" like Fushimi Inari
you don't want to walk longer distances

💡 Alternative:

If you want a more dramatic view of the city, choose Kiyomizu-dera. If you're tempted by a more compact Zen garden, Ginkaku-ji may be more suitable.

For me, Nanzen-ji is one of the most underrated in Kyoto.

The monumental gate and the view from above

The Sanmon Main Gate is one of the most impressive structures in Kyoto. For a fee 600 jpy (cash only), you can climb to the top and get a view of the whole area and the surrounding hills.

Here one realises the scale of the complex - something that often doesn't stand out in photos.

Unfortunately, I couldn't climb up to the gate gallery because I didn't have cash on me and the ATM is quite far from here.

Nanzen-ji

An aqueduct you don't expect

The 19th century brick aqueduct is part of the canal connecting Lake Biwa to Kyoto.

It's an unexpected feature in the middle of a traditional temple complex and one of the most photogenic spots in the entire Higashiyama area.

This is where movies and TV series are often filmed.

Along the aqueduct you can walk to the mouth of the Biwa Canal to a long tunnel through the mountain range.

Aqueduct above Nanzen-ji Temple

The most common mistakes

1️⃣ See only the aqueduct and leave
The main hall and the side gardens are worth the extra time.

2️⃣ Don't go up to the Sanmon gate
The view from above changes the perception of the whole area considerably.

3️⃣ Include Nanzen-ji without reference to other sites in the eastern part of the city
Works best as part of a longer walking route.

How to incorporate Nanzen-ji into a route

Nanzen-ji is located in the eastern part of Kyoto and is ideally combined with:

It is possible to create a full-day itinerary without having to move across town.

Detailed planning is covered in the map What to see in Kyoto and the overview How many days to spend in Kyoto.

If you're planning a wider tour of Japan, also check out the city guides for Tokyo, Osaka, Miyajima and Nara.

Entrance fees and opening hours

Entrance to the main complex is free
Entrance to the gate gallery costs 600 jpy (cash only)
open approximately 8:30-17:00

How to get there

Nanzen-ji is relatively easy to get to, but you will always walk at least 500 metres from the nearest public transport stations.

Therefore, many tourists use the taxi route to the temple.

Metro (Red Tozai Line) - KeageStation
- The fastest connection, although to get to the city centre or Kyoto Station you have to change to the green metro line or buses
Buses - Nanzenji Eikando-michi stop
- Line 5 - direction Ginkaku-ji, Heian Shrine, Kawaramachi, Kyoto Station

Accommodation in Kyoto

The eastern part of the city is very pleasant for accommodation, but the hotel offer is more limited than at Kyoto Station or around Kawaramachi.

However, you will find luxury hotels here very expensive traditional ryokans.

Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo ***** - a luxury traditional ryokan just a few metres from Sanmon Gate
The Westin Miyako Kyoto ***** - traditional brand, huge hotel with one of the best views of Kyoto

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